Happy National Bourbon Day*

Happy National Bourbon Day, a completely made-up holiday that obviously was not invented by a Kentuckian because a) every day here is Bourbon Day and b) if we had to choose just one day to so honor, it would not be a day in the middle of June. (Note that when U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, the Kentucky Republican and former professional baseball pitcher who passed away last month, sponsored successful legislation in 2007 to declare a National Bourbon Heritage Month, he designated September.) Nonetheless, I will not stand in the way of any celebration of this “distinctive spirit of the United States,” as bourbon was declared in 1964 by Congress. Bourbon, bridging the partisan divide for 53 years. Heck, I’ll drink to that.

Thirsty for more bourbon knowledge? Look for my new book, “Barrel Strength Bourbon: The Explosive Growth of America’s Whiskey,” now available online and in fine book stores everywhere.